So I asked about it this morning, and they say that they only took it away for a little while, and when I leave they call me later on and say, "well actually, it was the whole time."
The teachers were really apologetic about taking my daughter's sleep toy when I talked to them at lunch. They were relieved when I let them down from the coat hangers they were on while we were talking.
Seriously, I told them they do a great job with my girl and that I know it's not easy doing what they do. But that my wife and I are not in favor of the taking away my girl's comfort/security toy at nap time.